BOTTLE BATTLE

Grammy Winner Pleads Guilty to ‘Vicious’ Nightclub Bottle Attack

The Grammy winner admitted his role in the assault after initially denying the charges.

Chris Brown, 37, has admitted his role in a violent London nightclub attack that prosecutors described as “vicious.” The Grammy-winning R&B singer pleaded guilty to affray at Southwark Crown Court on Friday over a February 2023 assault at Tape nightclub in Mayfair. Prosecutors allege Brown struck music producer Abe Diaw several times with a bottle before chasing him through the crowded venue, where he and co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu allegedly punched and kicked the victim as he lay on the floor. Brown had initially denied the charges; however, prosecutors dropped separate counts alleging attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of the bottle as an offensive weapon after his guilty plea. Akinlolu, Brown’s vocal coach, also pleaded guilty to affray. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, with the offense carrying a maximum prison sentence of three years. Brown, who was arrested after arriving in the U.K. for his tour, was later released on £5 million ($6.6 million) bail.